Foster council approves majority of Planning Board’s zoning updates, removes animal criteria for separate review

The Foster Town Council on Feb. 8 voted to approve most of the Planning Board’s recommended zoning ordinance amendments but removed the animal‑category criteria from final approval for separate consideration.

In a single motion the council approved a package of changes covering sections including nonconforming dimensions, stonewall protection, procedures for variances and special‑use permits, unified development review provisions, standards for general business and commercial development, and administrative development plan review. After discussion, the council approved the motion by voice vote. A subsequent motion approved the same package "less the criteria for animals," which the council also approved by voice vote.

Planning staff said most edits were required to conform Foster’s code to recent changes in Rhode Island general law (R.I. Gen. Laws §45‑24‑57 and related sections) and to implement unified development plan review. Grant, the planning presenter, said the objective criteria requirement means each special‑use category must have specific standards, but noted the animal threshold (for example, the existing 35‑animal trigger) may conflict with Right‑to‑Farm protections. Several council members and residents urged more study; the council directed staff to return the animals language for further work.

The council also approved an amendment on substandard lots (lots smaller than 4.59 acres) required by state law that proportionally reduces setback and frontage requirements. That item passed after council members said the town had limited options because the law constrains local modifications.

No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the audio; both approvals were conducted by voice vote.